Circuit - Project Manager

Circuit is a collaborative network of 80 credit union and CUSO Owners created to help credit unions compete, grow, and advance innovation. Circuit moves ideas from concept to scale faster through shared research and development, strategic partnerships, and emerging technology, turning collective strength into competitive advantage. By enabling collaboration and shared investment, Circuit accelerates innovation, drives real-world industry impact, and lessens the risks of going it alone.

Circuit is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven project manager to help shape and advance our portfolio of innovation initiatives across the credit union ecosystem. This role blends the structure of project management with the curiosity and discovery mindset of product management, turning emerging ideas into actionable, collaborative projects.

You’ll work across Circuit’s Owner credit unions, fintech partners, and internal teams to organize, scope, and execute projects that address industry challenges and uncover new opportunities. From early-stage exploration through business case development and partner coordination, you’ll ensure each initiative moves efficiently from concept to clarity.

Key Responsibilities

Market Discovery and Opportunity Definition: Partner with the strategy team to identify and validate emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within the credit union and fintech landscape.

Opportunity Discovery and Validation: Lead early stage exploration of project ideas by engaging Circuit Owners, analyzing market trends and validating challenges or opportunities before scope is defined. Translate findings into problem statements, potential approaches, and hypotheses for member review.

Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate working groups, member discussions, and vendor sessions to uncover insights and align executive level stakeholders around shared priorities.

Project Structuring: Define project goals, timelines, milestones, and success measures, creating clear documentation and guiding projects from ideation through completion. Manage evolving project scopes that respond to stakeholder insights and market conditions. Create adaptable plans that allow for iteration, feedback, and phased decision making.

Vendor and Partner Collaboration: Identify and engage with potential technology or strategic partners: support RFPs, evaluations, and partnership structuring alongside CIRCUIT’s finance and partnerships teams.

Business Case Development and Adoption Planning: Translate findings into business cases that articulate opportunity, value, and potential return, aligning with Circuit’s strategic roadmap. Translate exploration and project outcomes into actionable next steps for pilots, partnerships, or commercialization.

Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with marketing, events, and leadership teams to maintain visibility, promote participation, and drive engagement across the ecosystem.

Communication & Reporting: Develop concise project updates, metric performance, and materials for internal and external audiences, ensuring clarity, transparency, and momentum throughout the process. Distill complex stakeholder input and market research into concise, actionable narratives that guide Circuit leadership and owner decision making.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in project management, innovation management, or product management, ideally in financial services, fintech, or technology.
• Proven success in leading cross-functional initiatives from concept through delivery, balancing structure with flexibility.
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills, able to engage executive level stakeholders, synthesize input, and drive alignment across diverse groups.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate insights into clear recommendations and next steps.

What This Role Offers

• Direct involvement in defining and advancing Circuit’s innovation portfolio, spanning emerging technologies and ecosystem-wide initiatives.
• A visible, cross-functional role that blends strategic thinking, relationship management, and hands-on execution.
• Opportunities to work directly with credit union leaders, fintech providers, and industry partners to shape the future of finance.
• Autonomy to drive projects from concept to clarity, supported by a collaborative team that values creativity and critical thinking.

This Role Is Perfect for You If...

• You approach emerging challenges with curiosity and adaptability, viewing change as a catalyst for innovation and learning.
• You love to communicate the amazing things you’re working on and can clearly articulate the impact.
• You’re a proactive self-starter who takes ownership from idea to execution, and comfortable rolling up your sleeves to make progress, even when the path isn’t fully defined.
• You build trust naturally through transparency and accountability
• You thrive on collaboration and believe the best ideas emerge when smart, passionate people work together toward shared goals.